Superficial scratch to car paintwork

Citygirl1

Hi

A few weeks ago some vandals decided to write on my car bonnet using some pretty abusive language.

When I took the car for service a few days later, the garage managed to remove all the writing using some special remover, leaving just one or two scratches, which didn't worry me so much.

However, I've since noticed, occasionally, that when the bonnett is under very bright light I can still see the outline of the wording - although the paint is not scratched, the shine was taken off the surface.
This is potentially very embarassing, so I'd like to sort it out more.

Do I need to talk to one of the scratch repair centres? Or, would a waxing help? I'd really appreciate if anyone could point me in the right direction. I wouldn't try any DIY work, as I could just make it worse...

Gumbo

sounds like your bonnet needs a respray. a touch up job wouldnt be great imo.

slimjimmc

You might get away with a bit of polishing instead then wax.

Gumbo

slimjimmc wrote: »

You might get away with a bit of polishing instead then wax.

very possible, the scratches could be just in the laquer but without any pictures we cant comment OP.

when you say scratch, can you see white in the scratch as in all the paint is scratched off?
can you post up some pictures of the damage?

slimjimmc

If just the shine is gone then your lacquer may be etched by the chemical used to remove the abuse. It might not be too bad if you only see it under very bright light.
Contact a few body shops and find out what they think is best.

If you near Dublin, this detailer guy is reputed to be good. He's probably used to doing a full car but I'm sure there's no harm in asking him a price for tidying up a bonnet.

Nforce

It may be possible to compound out the scratches....failing that a respray is the only viable alternative.

Citygirl1

kceire wrote: »

very possible, the scratches could be just in the laquer but without any pictures we cant comment OP.

when you say scratch, can you see white in the scratch as in all the paint is scratched off?
can you post up some pictures of the damage?

To clarify, there are two hairline scratches, where the paint is gone, but I could live with these (the car is 7 years old).

On the part I have a problem with, the actual paintwork itself does not seem to be damaged, only the lacquer. If I'm looking at this area in normal lighting I cannot see any damage. However, in bright sunlight, from the sideview one can clearly see the original (fairly crude) wording, as the lacquer is dulled.

It sounds like I should perhaps try to get it polished. Would you happen to know anywhere in Dublin to go to?

Appreciate the help.

Mr Benevolent

Citygirl1 wrote: »

To clarify, there are two hairline scratches, where the paint is gone, but I could live with these (the car is 7 years old).

On the part I have a problem with, the actual paintwork itself does not seem to be damaged, only the lacquer. If I'm looking at this area in normal lighting I cannot see any damage. However, in bright sunlight, from the sideview one can clearly see the original (fairly crude) wording, as the lacquer is dulled.

It sounds like I should perhaps try to get it polished. Would you happen to know anywhere in Dublin to go to?

Appreciate the help.

You'd generally wax and polish it yourself. A bit of elbow grease would do it no harm.

DUBLINHITMAN

if i knew what was written on your bonnet i mite be able to help only jokin buddy fookin scum bags .

where do you live i mite be able to help
currently setting up in that line of business and if @ all i can' PM and i'll have a look for you

Citygirl1

Hi all

Just wanted to say thanks for all your tips.

I called into "Carcraft" in Fairview today, and the guy there gave the bonnet a good polish, which sorted out the problem. They were very helpful there - I would recommend.

Heroditas

As a matter of interest, how much did they charge?